Special education major presents at SC CEC conference

Mary Helen Calhoun, a junior special education major, recently presented at the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children annual conference in North Charleston, SC. Calhoun presented her research of students with learning disabilities and reading delays.

“I became interested in the topic when we were studying different language disabilities,” she said. Calhoun began the study during the fall semester last year while in Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities class, taught by Associate Professor of Special Education, Dr. Daria Cronic.

“I realized reading comprehension doesn't affect a student’s performance in just English and Language arts class, but in every subject area of school,” Calhoun said. “If a student has trouble with reading comprehension, then he won’t understand what he's reading in social studies, science, or word problems in math class. Not only will the student not be able to understand what is going on when reading the information, but the student will also have trouble understanding questions on tests.

“This just all took my breath away in a sense,” she added, “and I wanted to learn more about it.”

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. Calhoun presented to an audience of SC CEC members and educators in general.

“I really enjoyed the conference and found it to be a priceless experience,” she said. “It was one of the most horrifying yet rewarding experiences I've had.”

In addition to majoring in special education, Calhoun serves as co-president of the PC chapter of the Palmetto State Teachers Association. She is also the Membership/Recruitment Director of Sigma Sigma Sigma and a member of Stirlings, an organization that introduces prospective students to PC.

posted by Stacy Dyer '96